This 11th century sovereign was named after Emperor Sanjō and go- (後), translates literally as "later." He is sometimes called the "Later Emperor Sanjō". The Japanese word "go" has also been translated to mean the "second one;" and in some older sources, this emperor may be identified as "Sanjō, the second," or as "Sanjo II."

22 May 1068 (Jiryaku 4, 19th day of the 4th month): In the 4th year of Emperor Go-Reizei's reign, he died at age 44; and the succession (senso) was received by a his son. Soon after, Emperor Go-Sanjo accepted the monarch's role and duties and powers (sokui).[5] This was confirmed in ceremonies.[6]

1069 (Enkyū 1): Go-Sanjō ordered the creation of a government land records office.[source?]

1070 (Enkyū 2): Go-Sanjō ordered a preliminary system of laws and a bureaucracy for regulating silk.[source?]

18 January 1072 (Enkyū 4, 8th day of the 12th month): In the 6th year of Emperor Go-Sanjō's reign, the emperor abdicated; and the succession (senso) was received by his son. Soon after, Emperor Shirakawa accepted his new role in the monarchy (sokui).[7]

11 May 11 (Enkyū 5, 21st day of the 4th month): Go-Sanjō became a Buddhist priest.[8]

15 June 1073 (Enkyū 5, 7th day of the 5th month): Former-Emperor Go-Sanjō died at the age of 40.[8]